28-year-old soldier nabbed after firing shots outside brother-in-law's home in Claveria, Cagayan

Claveria, Cagayan – A 28-year-old member of the Philippine Army, who is expected to uphold the law and protect communities, was arrested following an alleged shooting incident outside his brother-in-law's residence in Claveria, Cagayan.

The suspect, identified only by the alias "Bugoy," was apprehended by personnel of the Claveria Municipal Police Station with the assistance of the Quick Reaction Team of the 2nd Cagayan Provincial Mobile Force Company, police said.

According to the Cagayan Police Provincial Office, the incident occurred at around 12:10 a.m. on Sunday, June 28, in Barangay Luzon, Claveria.

Authorities said Bugoy allegedly went to the house of his brother-in-law and repeatedly challenged him to come outside for a fight. When no one came out, he allegedly fired several shots outside the residence before fleeing aboard a gray vehicle toward Abulug, Cagayan.

The suspect's sister, who is married to the alleged target, told investigators they were awakened by Bugoy shouting outside their home. She said they later heard successive gunshots before he fled the area.

Responding police officers recovered six spent 5.56-mm cartridge cases, three spent .45-caliber cartridge cases, and one live 5.56-mm round from the scene.

Bugoy was later located at a compound in Barangay Centro 8, Claveria, where he was arrested.

Police said they confiscated an M16 rifle, a .22-caliber rifle with a scope, a .45-caliber pistol, magazines, live ammunition, a bladed weapon, a mission order, identification cards, a Philippine Army uniform, tactical equipment, the vehicle allegedly used during his escape, and other pieces of evidence.

The recovered items were inventoried in the presence of barangay officials and properly documented before the suspect was informed of his constitutional rights and brought to the Claveria Municipal Police Station.

Police have yet to determine the motive behind the incident. The 28-year-old suspect remains in police custody pending the filing of appropriate criminal charges.

In a statement, Philippine National Police Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. commended the responding officers for the swift arrest of the suspect, emphasizing that no one is above the law.

“The rule of law applies equally to everyone. The PNP will continue to act decisively against criminal acts to protect our communities and preserve public order,” Nartatez said.

Meanwhile, Cagayan Police Provincial Office Director PCOL Mardito Anguluan said the suspect's arrest demonstrates that no one is exempt from the law, regardless of rank, position, or organizational affiliation.

“Walang sinuman ang nakahihigit sa batas, at sinumang lalabag dito ay pananagutin, anuman ang kanyang katungkulan o organisasyong kinabibilangan,” Anguluan said.